OBA Field Trips

We are excited to announce the upcoming OBA trip to Northeast Oregon for a chance to see one of our state’s most intriguing birds, the Great Gray Owl. Participants will be chosen by lottery due to expected demand for this popular trip. Get set for an exciting day of birding in Union County!

In the morning we’ll be guided by a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologist into the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest where these magnificent raptors nest. Early June is the ideal time to see owlets about to fledge from their nest platforms. Note: Ethical birding practices are a must to ensure this sensitive species is not disturbed; we will keep a respectful distance. Plenty of other species share this Ponderosa Pine forest including woodpeckers, corvids and flycatchers. Expect to hike about a mile round-trip to see the owls. Be prepared for off-trail travel: wear solid footwear and layers of clothing for cold or precipitation at an elevation of 3,000-plus feet.

Later we’ll visit other top sites around La Grande, including the Grande Ronde River for riparian species including Gray Catbird, and Ladd Marsh for Sandhill Cranes, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts, and many species of waterfowl and raptors. We will check local fields for Bobolinks too.

Participants are responsible for their own round-trip transportation, lodging and meals. Arriving on Saturday is recommended due to the early Sunday start. Carpooling is possible; contact the trip leader if you are willing to take a rider or need a ride. Camping is available at Spring Creek CG (four sites) and other nearby campgrounds. Motels are about 14 miles away in La Grande.

Pre-registration is required, and group size is limited to 10 participants plus leaders. There is no charge, but participants must be current OBA members (join or renew here).

Register for the lottery here!

Registration opens at 9 pm (yes, in the evening) on Monday, May 13 and closes at 9 pm on Monday, May 20.